Embracing New Beginnings: A Year of Harvest and Honor

 

Summary

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. The transition from one year to the next is more than just a change of date; it's a divine opportunity for new beginnings. Just as God set the times and seasons for the Israelites, leading them from slavery to freedom in a single day, He also orchestrates the seasons of our lives. This year, as we flip the calendar, let's recognize the significance of this moment and embrace the new opportunities it brings.

Reflecting on 2024, we have much to be thankful for as a church community. We've seen incredible acts of generosity, with over $150,000 given to missions and benevolence. We've witnessed lives transformed through public professions of faith and baptisms, and we've launched new ministries and discipleship programs. Our youth and children's ministries have thrived, and we've seen growth in our small groups and Bible studies. These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of our church family, each member playing a vital role in fulfilling God's mission.

As we move into 2025, let's focus on three prophetic words: harvest, resurrection, and honor. We've seen a harvest of souls coming to the Lord, and God is resurrecting dreams and promises in our lives. Honor, though less emphasized this past year, remains a core value. It's crucial to understand that honor is more than obedience; it's an attitude of the heart. By honoring those in authority and each other, we open the door to the miraculous and align ourselves with God's kingdom principles.

To prepare for the new year, I encourage you to reflect on five key questions about your purpose and actions. Consider what you're doing to fulfill your purpose, whether it's working, and where you might be manufacturing energy. Identify one thing you can do next year to make the biggest difference in your life. As a church, we'll begin the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting, seeking breakthrough, direction, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Let's commit to this time of consecration, asking God to guide us and prepare us for the incredible year ahead.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Timing and New Beginnings: The transition from one year to the next is a God-ordained opportunity for new beginnings. Just as God led the Israelites from slavery to freedom in a single day, He orchestrates the seasons of our lives, offering us fresh starts and new opportunities. Embrace this time as a chance to align with His plans and purposes. [24:30]

2. The Power of Community and Generosity: Our church's achievements in 2024 highlight the power of community and generosity. Through collective efforts, we've impacted lives locally and globally, demonstrating that each member plays a vital role in fulfilling God's mission. Let this inspire us to continue serving and giving in the year ahead. [26:07]

3. The Importance of Honor: Honor is a core value in God's kingdom, distinct from mere obedience. It involves an attitude of the heart, showing respect and esteem to others, especially those in authority. By practicing honor, we open the door to the miraculous and align ourselves with God's principles, experiencing blessings both in heaven and on earth. [30:49]

4. Reflecting on Purpose and Actions: As we enter 2025, it's crucial to reflect on our purpose and actions. Consider what you're doing to fulfill your purpose, whether it's effective, and where you might be manufacturing energy. Identifying one impactful change for the new year can lead to significant growth and transformation. [36:07]

5. Commitment to Prayer and Fasting: Beginning the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting is a powerful way to seek breakthrough, direction, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This time of consecration allows us to give God the first fruits of our year, aligning our hearts with His will and preparing us for the incredible year ahead. [45:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:30] - God's Timing and New Beginnings
- [26:07] - Celebrating 2024 Achievements
- [28:08] - Ministry Growth and Impact
- [29:18] - Reflecting on Prophetic Words
- [30:49] - Understanding Honor
- [32:32] - Honoring God with Wealth
- [34:13] - Spiritual Consequences of Dishonor
- [36:07] - Reflecting on Purpose
- [37:47] - Evaluating Actions and Energy
- [39:27] - Identifying Key Changes for 2025
- [44:10] - Preparing for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
- [45:43] - Reasons for Fasting
- [47:48] - Bible Reading Plan
- [49:42] - Call to Action for 2025
- [50:54] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 12:40-41
2. Daniel 2:21
3. Romans 12:10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Exodus 12:40-41, how long did the Israelites live in Egypt, and what significant event marked the end of this period? How does this relate to the concept of divine timing discussed in the sermon? [24:30]

2. In Daniel 2:21, what does it say about God's control over times and seasons? How does this passage support the idea of new beginnings as mentioned in the sermon? [24:30]

3. Romans 12:10 speaks about honoring one another. How does the sermon describe the difference between honor and obedience? [30:49]

4. What were some of the achievements of the church community in 2024 as highlighted in the sermon? How do these reflect the power of community and generosity? [26:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the transition from slavery to freedom in a single day for the Israelites illustrate the concept of divine timing and new beginnings in our lives today? [24:30]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of honor as a core value. How might practicing honor open the door to the miraculous in one's life, according to the sermon? [30:49]

3. Reflecting on the prophetic words "harvest," "resurrection," and "honor," how do these themes relate to the church's mission and individual spiritual growth? [29:18]

4. The sermon encourages reflection on purpose and actions. How can identifying one impactful change for the new year lead to significant personal growth and transformation? [36:07]

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Application Questions:

1. As you consider the concept of divine timing, what new beginnings are you hoping for in 2025? How can you align yourself with God's plans and purposes for this year? [24:30]

2. Reflect on the power of community and generosity. In what ways can you contribute to your church or community to make a positive impact in 2025? [26:07]

3. Honor is described as an attitude of the heart. How can you practice honor in your daily interactions, especially with those in authority or those you may disagree with? [30:49]

4. The sermon suggests reflecting on one's purpose and actions. What is one specific area in your life where you feel you are manufacturing energy, and how can you address this in the new year? [37:47]

5. As the church begins 21 days of prayer and fasting, what specific breakthrough, direction, or intimacy with the Holy Spirit are you seeking? How will you commit to this time of consecration? [45:43]

6. Considering the prophetic word "resurrection," what dreams or promises do you feel God is resurrecting in your life? How can you nurture these in 2025? [29:18]

7. What is one practical step you can take to honor God with your wealth, as mentioned in the sermon? How might this change your perspective on giving and contentment? [32:32]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Embracing Divine Timing for New Beginnings
The transition from one year to the next is not merely a change of date but a divine opportunity for new beginnings. Just as God led the Israelites from slavery to freedom in a single day, He orchestrates the seasons of our lives, offering us fresh starts and new opportunities. This is a time to align with His plans and purposes, recognizing that each new year is a chance to embrace the changes He has set before us. As we stand on the brink of a new year, let us be open to the new beginnings God has in store for us and trust in His perfect timing. [24:30]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."

Reflection: What new beginning is God inviting you to embrace this year, and how can you align your heart with His timing?


Day 2: The Power of Community and Generosity
Reflecting on the past year, the church community has witnessed incredible acts of generosity, with significant contributions to missions and benevolence. These achievements highlight the power of community and the impact of collective efforts in fulfilling God's mission. Each member plays a vital role, and together, lives have been transformed through public professions of faith, baptisms, and the growth of various ministries. As we move forward, let this inspire us to continue serving and giving, knowing that our contributions make a difference both locally and globally. [26:07]

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 (ESV): "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God."

Reflection: How can you contribute to your community in a way that reflects God's generosity and love?


Day 3: Understanding the Importance of Honor
Honor is a core value in God's kingdom, distinct from mere obedience. It involves an attitude of the heart, showing respect and esteem to others, especially those in authority. By practicing honor, we open the door to the miraculous and align ourselves with God's principles, experiencing blessings both in heaven and on earth. As we reflect on the past year, let us renew our commitment to honor, understanding that it is more than just an action but a heart posture that aligns us with God's kingdom. [30:49]

1 Peter 2:17 (ESV): "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."

Reflection: Who in your life can you show more honor to, and what practical steps can you take to demonstrate this honor today?


Day 4: Reflecting on Purpose and Actions
As we enter a new year, it is crucial to reflect on our purpose and actions. Consider what you are doing to fulfill your purpose, whether it is effective, and where you might be manufacturing energy. Identifying one impactful change for the new year can lead to significant growth and transformation. This reflection is an opportunity to evaluate our lives and make intentional decisions that align with God's calling for us. [36:07]

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: What is one specific change you can make this year to better align your actions with your God-given purpose?


Day 5: Commitment to Prayer and Fasting
Beginning the year with 21 days of prayer and fasting is a powerful way to seek breakthrough, direction, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This time of consecration allows us to give God the first fruits of our year, aligning our hearts with His will and preparing us for the incredible year ahead. As a church, this commitment is a collective effort to seek God's guidance and presence, trusting that He will lead us into a year of growth and transformation. [45:43]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your life this year to deepen your relationship with God and seek His guidance?

Quotes

"Why does this one day have so much more meaning than others? You know, flipping the calendar. You know, it's because God sets the times and the seasons. And I often go back. I think about the children of Israel. They were in slavery. And in one day, they become free men. Listen to what it says in Exodus 1240. The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years. There was a promise given to Abraham 430 years before this. And it says, in fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord's forces left the land." [00:24:30] (35 seconds)


"And so today, what I want us to do, we're going to do a couple of things. We're going to reflect on 2024 for a few minutes. And then we're going to look to 2025. And I'm going to give you five questions to reflect on 2024 in just a second. But before I do, I want to take a few moments and I just want to give God all the praise, all the glory for what he's done through us as a church. Remember, I'm not the church. We are the church. We're all the church." [00:25:33] (26 seconds)


"Romans 12 10 says, love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Outdo one another. We're supposed to honor one another. To honor means to show great respect, to esteem highly, to speak well of. I mean, it's an attitude of the heart. You can understand obedience is different than honor and submission. Obedience has to do with our actions. Honor has to do with our attitude and our heart. It has to do with those." [00:30:54] (33 seconds)


"And there are great rewards in heaven and on earth when we honor one another and we honor those who are in our hearts. And I want to talk about that. Those God has put in authority over us. Parents and teachers and spiritual leaders and governmental leaders. Yes, even governmental leaders." [00:31:26] (19 seconds)


"Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right. And they will honor you. So this isn't just about mayors or elected officials. This is anybody God has put in your life who has authority over you. And it says when we rebel against the authority that God has put over us, we are rebelling against God. Wow." [00:34:13] (24 seconds)


"So I recently heard a podcast from a pastor named Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands, amazing church in Birmingham, a huge church. He outlined seven questions, seven questions we should ask ourselves to reflect on the past year. Now, I'm only going to cover five of them because a few of them are really for church leaders, but I want us just to think on these as we're finishing out 2024." [00:35:11] (27 seconds)


"Every person should have a why to their life. Why do I exist? Why has God put me here? What is my mission in the commission, right? Maybe it's to realize. Maybe it's to raise children who love Jesus. Maybe that's your mission. Maybe it's to equip the church to do ministry. Maybe it's to fund the kingdom of God with your business." [00:35:45] (22 seconds)


"Is what you're doing now with all your time, with your energy, all that kind of stuff, is it aligning with the purpose that God has given you? Think about that for a second. Is what all I'm spending my time and energy and all the stuff that I'm doing and investments and finances, is it aligning with the purpose that God has put on my life?" [00:36:28] (23 seconds)


"Number two, we fast and we pray for direction and clarity. Maybe you need to know something. Maybe there's some timing that you need to understand, or Lord, I don't know what to do. Take this job or move here. We fast and pray for direction and clarity. And then thirdly, we fast and we pray for intimacy with the Holy Spirit. We just want to, we want to grow more and more like Jesus." [00:46:01] (20 seconds)


"And this is a Holy Spirit fast. Okay. So what's that mean? Meaning it's a Holy Spirit led fast. I should say, I want you to ask the Holy Spirit, what should I give up? How should I fast for 21 days starting on January 5th, that evening? How should I fast?" [00:46:41] (17 seconds)


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Transcript
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